[TIP] Have you tried MS Based aGPS to help gps lock? - Motorola Triumph

The following seemed to have helped some people on my post on AF so figured I'd post it here as well.
If you're still having GPS issues in an area where you have data coverage, and you've tried changing the gps.conf and possibly updating your libraries as noted in other threads, have you tried changing your GPS settings to MS Based instead of the default of "Standalone"?
From wikipedia:
Mobile Station Based (MSB) - In MSB mode A-GPS operation, the A-GPS device receives ephemeris, reference location, reference time and other optional assistance data from the A-GPS server. With the help of the above data, the A-GPS device receives signals from the visible satellites and calculates the position.
You can do that by doing the following, as noted in my previous post:
My GPS was really taking a long time to lock. Usually 10 minutes or so using GPS Status before it would lock. I tried both just using gps only and then also with wireless network and it still took a long time. So I updated the lbstestmode.apk to use MS Based and the gps.conf file that was mentioned earlier and now I get a lock in GPS Status in about 8 seconds from a cold boot using only the GPS with no wireless network.
If anyone wants to try, I've attached a flashable zip. I took the zip posted by merkuralex earlier in the other gps thread (thanks merkuralex) and added the lbstestmode.apk posted in this SDX thread:
http://forum.sdx-developers.com/index.php?topic=13593.0
The following flashable zips are attached:
lbstestmode_mt_gps_conf.zip - contains the gps.conf file from the other thread + the lbstestmode.apk file.
lbstestmode.zip - contains only the lbstestmode.apk
I'll repost the instructions here (thanks to cornaljoe on sdx for the actual instructions):
Pre-1. Flash the one of the attached zips in CWM first to install the lbstestmode.apk (or just copy the lbstestmode.apk into /system/app/ if you'd rather) and then reboot your phone.
Follow these directions:
1. After boot create a shortcut to Activities -> LbsTestMode -> .LbsTestMode
You may have to install LauncherPro if your launcher doesn't support the activities option under shortcuts. Once installed all launchers will have this option.
My note: Just an FYI, LauncherPro can be downloaded from the Market for free if you don't already have it. Or any other app that allows you to create shortcuts (such as AnyCut I think can also do that)
2. Start LbsTestMode and goto the application settings and set it to MS Based and press back until you exit app.
3. Reboot phone and then use GPS Status under a clear sky until you get a lock.
The main thing to pay attention to is the numbers labeled Error(m) and Fix/Sat in the lower corners of the compass.
Error(m) is the accuracy of your location in meters which shows after you get a lock. Fix/Sat is the number of satellites locked and in view prospectively.
In GPS Status, you can do the following to force aGPS data to download:
3A. Click Menu --> Tools --> Manage A-GPS state --> Reset . This will clear all previous A-GPS data.
3B. Click Menu --> Tools --> Manage A-GPS state --> Download. This will download fresh A-GPS data.
3C. Let GPS Status lock. The first time will take longer as your gps/phone syncs the data.
After you get a lock, you can try powering down your phone and then restarting and see if your lock is faster from a cold start.
This may or may not help you. All I can say is that changing to MS Based helped my gps lock time--I usually have data access where I am.

I have done this, and it works perfect!

Cloudy and raining here today. I will definitely try it. Quick question though, you saying use either zip or use one before the other? I'm not really clear on this.
Also do You have to keep the short cut?

You need to apply the zip first (in CWM) or else you won't have the option to create the shortcut

Wich one, there's 2 zips? I've got it all installed and working. Even though its cloudy, I got instant lock on. I'll test it again tommarow when I go out of town. So far so good though.
Edit: indoors is about 10 sec lock on. Great find OP. Has anyone posted this over at hofo? Another question, will clearing data cache from apps hurt it any?
Sent from my MOTWX435KT using XDA App

Everything went great today. I left my phone off all night so it could get a solid cold start this morning. Its cloudy and rainy again today too. I hit the road this morning and fired the GPS up and it locked in about 15 seconds. Great job on this fix. Also since then it has been instant lock times when i try it.
Sent from my MOTWX435KT using XDA App

tcross8361 said:
Everything went great today. I left my phone off all night so it could get a solid cold start this morning. Its cloudy and rainy again today too. I hit the road this morning and fired the GPS up and it locked in about 15 seconds. Great job on this fix. Also since then it has been instant lock times when i try it.
Sent from my MOTWX435KT using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which ZIP did you use? I used the lbstestmode_mt_gps_conf.zip

idbl_fanatic said:
Which ZIP did you use? I used the lbstestmode_mt_gps_conf.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I installed them both...lol But that's the last one I used.
I did have a bit of a hiccup on my way home. After lunch I turned my phone off. When I got back on the road 3 hours later I turned it back on and started up Navigation. It took a minute or so on the first lock. I exited out of Navigation and waited 20 minutes or so. I started it up again and it took about 30 seconds. Every time after that it was instant lock. Still very impressed. It was very cloudy and rainy today though. I was getting 1.1 mb down and 500 kb up today also. I would post this over at HoFo for all the nay sayers, but I wouldn't be able to answer any technical questions if anyone had them.
This place is starting to remind me of Seatle, rain every day...lol. I guess Fall is here to stay.

You are wasting your time.
I have traced this code extensively. For those who are unaware the GPS works on RPCs, which are internally processed by the kernel and passed to the chipset.
The chipset on this phone does not know how to handle AGPS requests - XTRA requests to inject the time (NTP time) and the orbital data are flatly refused.
You can set whatever you want, the data will never get to the chip. The Froyo base load intentionally discards such attempts and never sends them. If you load Gingerbread (and build it from source, as I have) and FORCE it to be sent it will return an error every time.
The problem appears to be in the silicon and/or the radio driver itself, which there is no source for. If someone's going to fix this, it's going to be at the radio interface level - not in user space.
My CM7 port is capable of cramming the data in there but it's turned off right now as when I enable it there's a fairly decent chance that the consequence of trying to do so is that the radio locks up and forces a watchdog reset (that is, a reboot on the phone)

Related

[FIX] Updated: GPS Tracking Issues (Optional FIX)

Team,
boodies posted this in the General section and thought it should be here as well, due to its nature.
Props goes out to boodies, Great Find!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=728611
I tried this and all GPS and compass issues are now fixed. GPS locks on accurately in just a few seconds.
***This fix may not work if you live outside of USA.***
##You can play with the settings if you want to. If you FUBAR your GPS a simple factory reset will return your setting to default. You can do this without going into recovery buy going to Settings / Privacy / Factory data reset.##
Edit:
***************************************************************
Tested Procedure:
1 - Disable "Use Wireless Networks" - Settings / Location & Security
2 - Dial *#*#1472365#*#*
3 - Under "Application settings" Change "Operation Mode" to MS Based
4 - Under "SUPL/CP Settings" Change the SERVER & PORT to supl.google.com and port 7276 [ Do not use www. in front of supl]
5 - REBOOT
6 - Turn back on the "User Wireless Networks"
********************************************************************
Original settings:
Operation Mode: Standalone
Server: www.spirent-lcs.com
Port: 7275
*****************************
Optional New Fix:
1 - Dial *#*#1472365#*#*
2 - Go outside to get an unimpeded GPS fix.
3 - Choose Delete GPS Data button.
4 - Choose Get Position Test button. Let it run for 3 min or until you have 10 to 12 Sat locks and back out.
Thanks goes to Onlyloki for this method.
Haven't had time to test it thoroughly. You may want to do this in conjunction with the first procedure and then do the optional if the first procedure did not work for you. I did both and my GPS is locking even faster. Let me know what you think...
Just some more info I dug up:
Quote from http://www.vzwdevelopers.com/aims/public/menu/lbs/LBSFAQ.jsp
"In MS-Based mode, the network provides the satellite information to the device, based on a rough estimate of where the device is located, and the device acquires the GPS signals from the satellites and calculates its location. After the initial fix, the device operates like an autonomous GPS receiver, until the satellite information must be refreshed, at which time the device goes back to the network to update the satellite information. MS-Based mode is appropriate for applications that require the device location to be updated rapidly, such as a navigation application. Can the GPS work in autonomous mode? No, the GPS receiver requires the assistance of the network elements to acquire its initial location fix."
With the rapid updating we could see an increased drain on the battery. I have not confirmed that yet. If anyone can let us know.
Edit #2:
I was informed by a sales rep at T-Mobile that Samsung is aware of the issue and is going to fix the GPS and the compass issue in their first update.
Mine seems to be working fine after flashing back to stock firmware.
I wasn't able to get a lock before or after the original fix above. After performing the second fix I was able to get a lock but the phone only picked up 8 satellites.
Any idea if I'll have do the second "fix" every time I want a GPS lock?
I was finally able to get a lock using both procedures, but it couldn't track me if I moved.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
rabydanimal said:
I wasn't able to get a lock before or after the original fix above. After performing the second fix I was able to get a lock but the phone only picked up 8 satellites.
Any idea if I'll have do the second "fix" every time I want a GPS lock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be pernament 8 sats is ok, good enough. Reboot and test in Google maps, should be set.
polarbee said:
I was finally able to get a lock using both procedures, but it couldn't track me if I moved.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reboot phone and go for a car ride. Use g-maps to get lock and the switch to nav app.
designgears said:
Mine seems to be working fine after flashing back to stock firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for me. I flashed the stock rom in the other thread, went outside and had a gps lock at 5m in less than 30 second. It locked at 30m in less than 10 seconds. Before this, the best I had was 30m after a long time and it wouldn't track me in my car hardly at all. I will test further tomorrow on my way to work.
Thanks! This worked great, I'm glad I have working GPS now.
Can anyone post what the settings in Application Settings are supposed to be? I might have changed something in there that makes my GPS off by ~150 yards consistenly...
abuthemagician said:
Can anyone post what the settings in Application Settings are supposed to be? I might have changed something in there that makes my GPS off by ~150 yards consistenly...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do a factory reset and reset all the settings to stock
Blarg. I am really not in the position to do a factory reset after I just got my phone the way I like it... Anyone else?
I wrote them down before I started...
“Application Settings” change “Operation Mode” to Standalone & “Skyhook” to OFF
“SUPL/CP Settings” change “Server” to www.spirent-lcs.com “ServerPort” to 7275
what about the others under application settings? I think it was one of those.
Samsung GPS fix is coming in September
This is cool :
"Samsung is testing software to optimize GPS on Galaxy S phones. Look for updates in September. Details & download instructions to follow."
Source: Samsungservice twitter
meatrocket said:
I wrote them down before I started...
“Application Settings” change “Operation Mode” to Standalone & “Skyhook” to OFF
“SUPL/CP Settings” change “Server” to www.spirent-lcs.com “ServerPort” to 7275
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info!
This is old info and does not fix tracking issue. It only helps lock times. This is already posted in general 3 or 5 times.
not sure if anyone else has addressed this issue but the AGPS is disabled according to the settings.db file. maybe thats the problem?

GPS files ripped from leaked JI2, flashable zip

This may be old news for many of you, but I just found this last night so I thought I would share. The flashable update .zip from the linked post worked wonders for my Captivates GPS.
Here is the original post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=782242
I flashed the file from clockworkmod recovery and my gps is markedly improved. It's not perfect but it is much better.
Just thought I would share this with those who didnt know about it.
I also attached the file that I used.
Just for references sake so that we are comparing apples to apples, I am using JH7, rooted with unhelpfuls 1.4.1 kernel.
my mistake. i reset the supl to auto config. I also realized that clockwork uses the internal SD as default so i was reinstalling my root update.zip i still had on the internal. I was trying to install without clockwork in the beginning so i just renamed it to update.zip and threw on my external 16gb but it was installing update.zip from my internal. It works great and i have a great lock within 6 seconds when I have never seen a lock on my device. I even rebooted a couple times to get my lock right away.
Thank you again!
Stock AT&T 2.1 rom with root, removed bloatware, clockwork, and sideload mod
Thank you for making this thread. I do not follow the vibrant section too often so I was unaware of this. Thanks for bringing this to my attention OP
Awesome! Glad I could help even a few people. I knew I couldnt be the only one who didnt know about this!
just an update. Overnight, the GPS magically stopped working again. I havent been able to get a lock at all and have a max of 4 sat. connected at once on a sunny clear day. Any ideas?
NFauteux said:
just an update. Overnight, the GPS magically stopped working again. I havent been able to get a lock at all and have a max of 4 sat. connected at once on a sunny clear day. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is wifi on? Wifi on its way hard too lock. Or try the Ms based trick a few pages back or the thread itself .. if wifi was on, exit maps or GPS test completely and turn GPS off, then turn GPS back on and try again......
smashpunks said:
Is wifi on? Wifi on its way hard too lock. Or try the Ms based trick a few pages back or the thread itself .. if wifi was on, exit maps or GPS test completely and turn GPS off, then turn GPS back on and try again......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seriously? that's a freakin hassle and half
pmpntl said:
seriously? that's a freakin hassle and half
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Turning off wifi from the get go is a hassle ? Just pull down turn it off, done. Just if you do it while its on gotta exit and do again. Semi annoying but not and a half.lol
Im starting to think that my phone is damaged I have never seen a lock, I have used every method and nothings works
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Wow this worked great on my phone. Locked on quickly and gave me the best accuracy I've seen. Gives me hope on an official update for our captivates.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
NFauteux said:
just an update. Overnight, the GPS magically stopped working again. I havent been able to get a lock at all and have a max of 4 sat. connected at once on a sunny clear day. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine stopped working as well as when I first flashed but still works much better.
I used the LbsTestMode hack to change to the supl.google.com settings and it helped it a little more. Like I said in the original post, this isnt perfect, but its still an improvement over stock and it gives me hope that this is correctable via software. I had all but convinced myself that the hardware and/or design was faulty.
-D
I dont remember what i did but the gps is now working again and it works great, even from inside sitting near a window. I know that it is a result from these files posted. I also set all my settings to :
Application Settings
session type: Tracking
Test Mode: S/W Test
Operation Mode: MS Based
Start Mode: Hot start
Gps Plus: On
Dynamic accuracy: on
accuracy : 100
skyhook: on
pc tool: off
SUPL/CP Settings
Server FQDN: auto config
SUPL Secure: On
AGPS Mode: SUPL
I hope these settings can help someone else. I dont know why my gps cut out before but after flashing the OP files and changing settings to these, I can get a lock indoors without WIFI on.
Also i never have wifi on unless I am in the house using youtube or downloading stuff.
Thank you again for the files! I was using my GPS all day with no issues. I owe you big time because my phone never saw a satellite lock before flashing these files.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
EDIT
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I was having issues again today and changed to supl.google.com with 7276 i believe and it works perfect now and has been all day. I lock within 5 seconds of opening google maps. I now dont care if they ever release a GPS fix because mine is perfect and I wouldnt change it.

[Q] GPS takes long to lock in - Galaxy S 4G

I'm aware of the GPS issues with the Samsung Galaxy S. I have the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and I'm wondering if anyone with this phone is experiencing difficulties getting GPS to lock in.
Within approximately 10 minutes, I can see in the GPS Test app about 3 satellites in view. Given enough time, it picks up a few more and eventually locks in.
I've read about the Super GPS fix and the hardware fix but I'm not sure if it would be wise to try it on this phone since the fix was meant for a different model and I don't see any mention of anyone trying it on the GS4G:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974702
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974702
Please share your thoughts and experience.
Locks quickly for me without any "special" settings or apps. I even have network-based location always off on my phone since I don't want Google tracking me all the time.
The first lock may be causing you problems if the orbital data hasn't been loaded recently enough.
I have read that GPS Status has helped some by causing the orbital data to be refreshed.
jdjs said:
I'm aware of the GPS issues with the Samsung Galaxy S. I have the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and I'm wondering if anyone with this phone is experiencing difficulties getting GPS to lock in.
Within approximately 10 minutes, I can see in the GPS Test app about 3 satellites in view. Given enough time, it picks up a few more and eventually locks in.
I've read about the Super GPS fix and the hardware fix but I'm not sure if it would be wise to try it on this phone since the fix was meant for a different model and I don't see any mention of anyone trying it on the GS4G:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974702
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974702
Please share your thoughts and experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Samsung Galaxy S 4G and a Vibrant, both are horrible with GPS, they both take forever to get a lock and many times they never get a lock and Samsung is less than helpful. They had my Vibrant for three weeks and sent it back with nothing changed.
mine has never taken more than ~30 seconds to get a lock, even if that 30 seconds sometimes feels like "forever".
this is my first GPS-equipped phone, so i don't have anything to compare it to, but once it's locked, subsequent locks take less time. maybe i just got a "good one"?
I have a Vibrant and an sgs4g. There is no comparison between the two. The sgs4g takes about 5 seconds to lock, The Vibrant I've waited literally 40 mins and still never got a lock. It could be the app. Are you having any trouble with google navigation taking along time or just the gps test app?
I know this wasn't directed at me, but I share the same GPS problems.
This issue occurs in all GPS Apps, including Google Navigation. It simply says acquiring GPS....
The GPS icon flashes like it's working, but its not doing anything.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App
Looking in the market there's an app called GPS Aids V2...anyone try it? Supposed to help all Galaxy S phones with GPS problems.
Before buying, I want to see if it's worth it......
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Just kidding, I bought the app. So far it seems to be working well; after doing everything my phone was actually picking up FIVE satellites.
Not working right now, though. I contacted the developer for some help, and I'll post his reply/an update soon.
Problem Solved for FREE!
I have the solution and some confusing steps to fix your phone.
Right now as we speak i've followed ALL the steps and have 4 satellites currently showing on the phone while INSIDE my house, in under three minutes time.
Credit to: http://www.samsunggalaxysforum.com/samsung-galaxy-s-how-to/gps-problem/
-Download LauncherPro first.
-Tap and hold on your homescreen, and select shortcut.
-Click Activities.
-Scroll to LbsTestMode.
-Tap the first one, LbsTestMode (with gray saying com.sec.android.app.lbstestmode.LbsTestMode
-Click okay when "edit shortcut" comes up.
-Open the shortcut.
-Tap "SUPL/CP Settings"
-Change the following fields to...
Server -> supl.google.com
Server Port -> 7276
SUPL Secure Socket -> OFF
AGPS Mode -> SUPL
-Click Back (it saves it)
-Reboot your Phone.
-Click Settings, then Location & Security.
-Check "Use Wireless Networks"
-Go to your Launcher, and open LbsTestMode again
-Click "Delete GPS" Data
-Exit the App, and close it with a task killer.
-Open it again, and click "Get Position Test"
-It might take a while for something to show up....but it eventually will. Let it run for about ten minutes straight.
-Close the App again, and you should be good!
Upon Position test....I got:
Accuracy: 41 (meters)
Number of Satellites (INDOORS!): 9
Speed: (m/s)
If you have any questions feel free to reply.
Remember, credit goes to "Bade" (which credited XDA forums anywho) of samsunggalaxyforum.com
Running Copilot Live (GPS Application) and finding location took less than 5 seconds indoors.
To check some info out, I ran GPS Test, and saw "In View" Satellites was 9, and "In Use" was 7. (both were 2, to 0 respectively...previously.)
Running GPS Test (another app, different) came up with my location in less than a second.
I'd call this a success
This guide will also be on my site, here
http://www.cyclopscomputers.com/gs4g
danstheman7 said:
I have the solution and some confusing steps to fix your phone.
Right now as we speak i've followed ALL the steps and have 4 satellites currently showing on the phone while INSIDE my house, in under three minutes time.
Credit to: http://www.samsunggalaxysforum.com/samsung-galaxy-s-how-to/gps-problem/
-Download LauncherPro first.
-Tap and hold on your homescreen, and select shortcut.
-Click Activities.
-Scroll to LbsTestMode.
-Tap the first one, LbsTestMode (with gray saying com.sec.android.app.lbstestmode.LbsTestMode
-Click okay when "edit shortcut" comes up.
-Open the shortcut.
-Tap "SUPL/CP Settings"
-Change the following fields to...
Server -> supl.google.com
Server Port -> 7276
SUPL Secure Socket -> OFF
AGPS Mode -> SUPL
-Click Back (it saves it)
-Reboot your Phone.
-Click Settings, then Location & Security.
-Check "Use Wireless Networks"
-Go to your Launcher, and open LbsTestMode again
-Click "Delete GPS" Data
-Exit the App, and close it with a task killer.
-Open it again, and click "Get Position Test"
-It might take a while for something to show up....but it eventually will. Let it run for about three minutes.
-Close the App again, and you should be good!
Upon Position test....I got:
Accuracy: 41 (meters)
Number of Satellites (INDOORS!): 9
Speed: (m/s)
If you have any questions feel free to reply.
Remember, credit goes to "Bade" (which credited XDA forums anywho) of samsunggalaxyforum.com
Running Copilot Live (GPS Application) and finding location took less than 5 seconds indoors.
To check some info out, I ran GPS Test, and saw "In View" Satellites was 9, and "In Use" was 7. (both were 2, to 0 respectively...previously.)
Running GPS Test (another app, different) came up with my location in less than a second.
I'd call this a success
This guide will also be on my site, here
http://www.cyclopscomputers.com/gs4g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My GPS was working but I wanted to mess around and check on your findings. I tried to get this to work but it took quite long looking for Satellites.
I noticed when I went in to modify the SUPL settings, it was set to custom config. Made the changes according to your post and like i said before, it took a while so I stopped it. changed the settings to auto conifg and BAM! pulled 13 satellites and locked in within seconds. I do not know if its due to my location but Im working great on Auto Config.
this post is more of an FYI rather than a fix. Hope you guys get yours fixed either way.
fknfocused said:
My GPS was working but I wanted to mess around and check on your findings. I tried to get this to work but it took quite long looking for Satellites.
I noticed when I went in to modify the SUPL settings, it was set to custom config. Made the changes according to your post and like i said before, it took a while so I stopped it. changed the settings to auto conifg and BAM! pulled 13 satellites and locked in within seconds. I do not know if its due to my location but Im working great on Auto Config.
this post is more of an FYI rather than a fix. Hope you guys get yours fixed either way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the first try, you have to let "Get Position Test" run for around 10 minutes (The 3 minutes on the original post I said might've been a stretch).
Trying Auto Config, I'm getting similar results, though with the custom settings I had more satellite lock-ons.
Custom:
12 SAT, 10 CONNECT
Automatic:
11 SAT, 7 CONNECT
After doing this, the GPS data should stay downloaded on the phone so future satellite searches are MUCH quicker.
Thank you for your input by the way..I appreciate it
My phone has always find satellites and locked within 30 secs. One day I started messing around with settings and came to find out my gps was no longer locking on any satellites at least for 10 mins. I bought the gps aids v2 app from the market then tapped on gps doctor and tapped on "regenerate" (it regenerates the gps data folder) it made my phone boot up. Since then my gps has been workin excellent after that.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
ssmokey727 said:
My phone has always find satellites and locked within 30 secs. One day I started messing around with settings and came to find out my gps was no longer locking on any satellites at least for 10 mins. I bought the gps aids v2 app from the market then tapped on gps doctor and tapped on "regenerate" (it regenerates the gps data folder) it made my phone boot up. Since then my gps has been workin excellent after that.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the same thing, except with that app I couldn't download the XTRA data once resetting the settings :/
Me neither, it couldn't seem to download the xtra data, but just by tapping on gps doctor and "regenerate" and in my case that fixed it. Good luck!
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
Still no GPS connected until I put in the custom settings.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App
danstheman7 said:
On the first try, you have to let "Get Position Test" run for around 10 minutes (The 3 minutes on the original post I said might've been a stretch).
Trying Auto Config, I'm getting similar results, though with the custom settings I had more satellite lock-ons.
Custom:
12 SAT, 10 CONNECT
Automatic:
11 SAT, 7 CONNECT
After doing this, the GPS data should stay downloaded on the phone so future satellite searches are MUCH quicker.
Thank you for your input by the way..I appreciate it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If i get bored ill try it again, I live on a tiny island out in the middle of the pacific so GPS is not that big of a deal for me. lol
Thank you for the update. 10 Sat connects is way better than 7
danstheman7 said:
I have the solution and some confusing steps to fix your phone.
Right now as we speak i've followed ALL the steps and have 4 satellites currently showing on the phone while INSIDE my house, in under three minutes time.
Credit to: (url removed)
-Download LauncherPro first.
-Tap and hold on your homescreen, and select shortcut.
-Click Activities.
-Scroll to LbsTestMode.
-Tap the first one, LbsTestMode (with gray saying com.sec.android.app.lbstestmode.LbsTestMode
-Click okay when "edit shortcut" comes up.
-Open the shortcut.
-Tap "SUPL/CP Settings"
-Change the following fields to...
Server -> supl.google.com
Server Port -> 7276
SUPL Secure Socket -> OFF
AGPS Mode -> SUPL
-Click Back (it saves it)
-Reboot your Phone.
-Click Settings, then Location & Security.
-Check "Use Wireless Networks"
-Go to your Launcher, and open LbsTestMode again
-Click "Delete GPS" Data
-Exit the App, and close it with a task killer.
-Open it again, and click "Get Position Test"
-It might take a while for something to show up....but it eventually will. Let it run for about ten minutes straight.
-Close the App again, and you should be good!
Upon Position test....I got:
Accuracy: 41 (meters)
Number of Satellites (INDOORS!): 9
Speed: (m/s)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just came across this when I was freaking out about my crappy GPS lock. Just got this phone to use on Mobilicity and was concerned there was some T-Mo setting that needed to be changed. Anywho, this works wickedly. Thanks a lot.
jdjs said:
I'm aware of the GPS issues with the Samsung Galaxy S. I have the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and I'm wondering if anyone with this phone is experiencing difficulties getting GPS to lock in.
Within approximately 10 minutes, I can see in the GPS Test app about 3 satellites in view. Given enough time, it picks up a few more and eventually locks in.
I've read about the Super GPS fix and the hardware fix but I'm not sure if it would be wise to try it on this phone since the fix was meant for a different model and I don't see any mention of anyone trying it on the GS4G:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974702
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974702
Please share your thoughts and experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the gs4g and tried GPS AIDs with some improvement . At the most I would lock onto 7 satellites when it felt like working. I lifted the contact as indicated in the thread above. I then deleted the old GPS data. Then in GPS AID I regenerated the DATA and rebooted. Now i get 12 locks on satellites all with green signal status. Very please. Google maps Locks on with in seconds....
fideli. said:
Just came across this when I was freaking out about my crappy GPS lock. Just got this phone to use on Mobilicity and was concerned there was some T-Mo setting that needed to be changed. Anywho, this works wickedly. Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I spoke too soon. I tried this in Calgary and it was great. I'm now in Toronto and I haven't gotten a lock since I got here on Monday. Tried messing around with the settings again, but just won't lock on. Also tried auto config to grab SUPL info from my provider, but that didn't work either. Still working on it.
Start over and flash krylon deoxed with odin, cwm, bionix. This resolved my 10-15m lock times completely. Now I get a lock in seconds.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App
Amazing!
I tried this and got accuracy within 3 meters off 10 satellites. Before, it was about 80 meters. Just awesome.
You don't need launcher pro to get into LbsTestMode. In your phone's dialer, just type *#*#3214789650*#*# and it'll go into it.
As for what you suggested about going in and messing with the settings, the first lock takes forever because you've wiped out all the ephemeris data by deleting. It starts looking for satellites for your first lock which takes a while with no ephemeris data. Once it gets a lock, it starts downloading ephemeris data and subsequent locks are significantly faster because your phone now knows where the satellites are.
AGPS helps reduce the lock time a bit (by using mobile location and the SUPL server), but not by a huge amount. The largest reduction in time is due to the fact that you have updated ephemeris data. If your ephemeris data is outdated, your lock times will go up again.
If you don't believe me, try this: get your lock. Then shut off your GPS by using the pull down panel. Leave it off for at least 24-36 hours. Then try to get a lock again. It's going to take a long time again...
I've been tinkering with the GPS on this phone for a while now as well as my GF's Vibrant. There's no doubt in my mind that the SGS4G is improved over the Vibrant, but it's still not great.
I've also pulled apart both of these phones and done the hardware fix by bending the little tab every so slightly. Made a significant difference on the Vibrant which was having a problem maintaining locks and the GPS signal was bouncing all over. No noticeable difference on my phone.
My only conclusion is that the antenna on these things are poorly designed and just take a long time to get an initial lock. Once locked, it's pretty solid. Other phone manufacturers have GPS that work better though. No reason why Samsung couldn't do better.

GPS Issues fixed

I had terrible GPS reception even before I flashed NexusMod GB. However, I finally found a good fix for the gps to lock on to my location. Make sure you download the correct version. I downloaded the 2.x google and i also tried the 2.x att since i am on 2.3.6 and both worked great!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1438129
Instructions that worked for me:
Method 3 (easiest if you use a compatible version of CWR or CWM)*:
1. Download the patch
2. Boot into CWR (Clockwork Recovery)
3. Mount /system/ partition (on the main menu, select the "Mounts and storage" option, then "mount /system")
4. Flash the patch (on the main menu, select "Install zip from sdcard," then "choose zip from sdcard," and find the zip and select it)
5. Reboot the device
6. Review the NOTES section.
*This was built for and works on Inspire 4G and DesireHD versions of Clockwork Recovery. The Google CWM Flashable Build has binaries known to work with CWM on the X8. It may work on other devices. Please message me your success if you try and flash with recovery version and phone model as part of the message.
Once it boot up I went to system>location and security> and disabled use wireless networks/use gps satellites/use sensor aiding. I then rebooted and enabled use gps satellites. I then opened google maps and my gps is now finding me faster and it actually gets close to me.
I patched this today because it seems to take at least 5 minutes to lock onto a location. This did not help unfortunately. I'm thinking I should do a fresh odin of the official ICS...I did an upgrade from UCLF5 through Kies. I guess I blame myself for forcing it to a probably untested scenario.
Lucid first try downloading gps status, clear agps and download the data again.
kishke said:
Lucid first try downloading gps status, clear agps and download the data again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. After reading the forums and noticing that it wasn't a major issue for most, I realized the problem was mostly my device. Reading through the notes, I tried the battery removal for 30 seconds suggestion. I thought it had 1% chance of working, but after I did it, it actually started locking on instantly again. If this doesn't stick, then I'll try the clearing of agps. I think that probably sounded like it would have worked too.
Actually, just try turning off using network based location services when you plan using the GPS. I just leave if off unless I'm indoors and need a location fix.
I fought this for the last year and a half on my Atrix 4g, and the same thing when I got my SkyRocket last week.
Fire up GPS Status and Toolbox (Free, and a GREAT app! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2&feature=search_result) and watch how long it takes to get a lock from a cold start of the GPS.
With the wireless based location services on, it can take 2 to 5 minutes for the phone to get a location. It shouldn't, but it does. But, with it off, I get a GPS location fix in under 10 seconds when outside.
WolfmanRobby said:
Actually, just try turning off using network based location services when you plan using the GPS. I just leave if off unless I'm indoors and need a location fix.
I fought this for the last year and a half on my Atrix 4g, and the same thing when I got my SkyRocket last week.
Fire up GPS Status and Toolbox (Free, and a GREAT app! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2&feature=search_result) and watch how long it takes to get a lock from a cold start of the GPS.
With the wireless based location services on, it can take 2 to 5 minutes for the phone to get a location. It shouldn't, but it does. But, with it off, I get a GPS location fix in under 10 seconds when outside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS. Had issues myself until I followed the above procedure.

GPS doesn't lock..

Good evening guys-
After updating from ICS to JellyBean, my gps cannot find or lock onto any satellites.
If I enable wifi, its accurate to 20meters.. If not, it won't lock even after 15 minutes.
Any help is greatly appreciated-
mine has been similar in PA2.00 and CM10.
It actually will lock after a long time. Sometimes up to 30 minutes.
Interested in any answers... I noticed in the gps.conf file agps appears to be off. I don't know if that is the issue.
Unfortunately searching for a fix just reveals too much information with a lot of supposed fixes, but no consensus so far as i can tell.
brian Marshall said:
mine has been similar in PA2.00 and CM10.
It actually will lock after a long time. Sometimes up to 30 minutes.
Interested in any answers... I noticed in the gps.conf file agps appears to be off. I don't know if that is the issue.
Unfortunately searching for a fix just reveals too much information with a lot of supposed fixes, but no consensus so far as i can tell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually agps was turned off to improve lock times...some people noticed no difference with it off, others noticed huge improvements with half the lock time
You can change it to true, then wipe cache and dalvic cache in recovery and see if it makes a difference
Sent from my SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2
mg2195 said:
Actually agps was turned off to improve lock times...some people noticed no difference with it off, others noticed huge improvements with half the lock time
You can change it to true, then wipe cache and dalvic cache in recovery and see if it makes a difference
Sent from my SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is that a 'go ahead and try it, it wont work, but go ahead and try it anyway' ?
It seems like a lot of people are having problems with GPS in jellybean, and some aren't. There's so many 'this worked for me' solutions, but I'm starting to think it's coincidence.
Someone mentioned installing and running copilot once. Did that. it didn't work. Without root permissions what could it really change to improve anything?
I ran Faster Fix. It edited my gps.conf file (which it doesn't tell you that it does) It didn't help. it might have made it slightly worse.
I found a few other gps.conf files for jellybean ROMs, but haven't tried those yet.
This is how we learn and share our info, by trying. Just make a back up of anything that you want to change or replace.
GPS works perfect on my PA Jelly Beaned Infuse. First I ran GPS Test, it took a good twenty minutes if not more for it's first lock.
But now, I get a lock in a few seconds.
GPS Test, is free in the market.
Planning my escape!
GPS Test has kicked my GPS in the butt and got it working with almost every ROM I've flashed. Once you get over that first delay (downloading satellite data?) the first time you run it, it locks on fairly well afterward. At least, that's been my experience
Truckerglenn said:
This is how we learn and share our info, by trying. Just make a back up of anything that you want to change or replace.
GPS works perfect on my PA Jelly Beaned Infuse. First I ran GPS Test, it took a good twenty minutes if not more for it's first lock.
But now, I get a lock in a few seconds.
GPS Test, is free in the market.
Planning my escape!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already done that. It helped the next time I ran maps. When i left work yesterday I had maps give me turn by turn directions home. It took a couple minutes to lock, but after that it was working.
Then this morning I tried again. It wouldn't lock at all on the way in to work this morning. (only a 15 minute drive)
I also tried editing my GPS conf file this morning. I tried using ES file explorer, root explorer, and flashing. All three resulted in an empty file. ES says it was successful. Root explorer gives an error message 'there was not enough free disk space to complete the paste operation'
Flashing says it was successful, but again, it ends with an empty file. 0 bytes.
The file i used for the flash attempt is here. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1817558
With the gps.conf file I'm going to go leave the phone out in my car with gps on and see if it locks.
I understand that developers do a lot of work on this. I'm not trying to be a jerk. I just see a lot of people having the same issue and no agreement on a solution or even what the actual problem is.
brian Marshall said:
...
I understand that developers do a lot of work on this. I'm not trying to be a jerk. I just see a lot of people having the same issue and no agreement on a solution or even what the actual problem is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe this is because there is no solution. If you want to try to help solve the problem, "adb shell" in and start tinkering.
You'll quickly find that GPS is anything but an easy thing to fix. A good SUPL provider for you may be completely different for others.
I can't find the Answer that fixed it for me,
but what I did:
Plug phone in, disable wifi, leave phone near window, and let
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...251bGwsMSwyLDYsImNvbS5hbmRyb2lkLmdwc3Rlc3QiXQ..
that app run... :45 minutes later it locked (GPS icon on Status Bar stopped blinking and showed locked, solid) with 7 satellites.
waited, rebooted the phone, and it locked in about 3 minutes.
-hope this helps.
other than that, love this ROM!
choffman said:
I believe this is because there is no solution. If you want to try to help solve the problem, "adb shell" in and start tinkering.
You'll quickly find that GPS is anything but an easy thing to fix. A good SUPL provider for you may be completely different for others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that is an actual answer.
I suppose part of the problem for us noobs sorting through 300 page threads is all the filler with people saying "great rom omgz so awesome" even when they are posting on the first page and the ROM hasn't even been up long enough to do much more than flash it and swipe through the home screen.
All through out the CM10 and PA threads there are people saying GPS is working flawlessly... and then other people saying they have some fix. I guess people aren't supposed to post frivolous stuff in the dev threads, but they do.
Anyway, I ended up going back to GB as GPS is something I really need.
Hey guy's, i've also been having allot of issues with GPS just not being what it used to be, and it's pretty obvioius that this is an issue across the board for all JellyBean roms. I think those who mention that "GPS works flawlessly" don't quite understand the issue with AGPS (Assisted GPS), or they are not quite testing it thoroughly enough to see the problem.
To get an understanding of what AGPS is, and how it helps improve initial lock times, have a read here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_GPS
Also, to gain a better understanding of what I mean by "cold start" as you read below, and how it differs from a warm or hot start please read the following: http://m.gsmarena.com/glossary.php3?term=gps
That being said, i have been doing allot of digging in the hopes that someone out there has a solution to the problem with AGPS on the CM10 based ROMs on our phone.
To clarify the problem: AGPS does not seem to work and Initial lock times from a cold start can take several minutes, (this is not normal if AGPS is doing it's job). To clarify further, no one is saying that GPS does not work, it does in fact work, it just takes it's sweet time to lock and it seems to rely on pure GPS to download ephemeris data from the actual GPS birds for satelite lock acquisition, rather then downloading AGPS data over the network to speed things up. After the initial lock though, GPS functions as it should. After this point, if you do not use the phone again for several day's, it seems that upon first firing it up again you will experience the long delay in first lock. This is especially true if you keep GPS services turned off ussually to conserve battery. Those who report GPS is fine are probably keeping GPS services on all the time, and your GPS is probably working in the background at times and obviously will start up allot faster then it would from a cold start. (This is where i believe all the conflicting info comes from!)
The only info i have been able to find that did actually have an impact on my lock times was the thread below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1881655
I just started testing this out yesterday and i have seen some positive results. But i would caution those of you out there, and say that this is probably not a "fix" per se, but it did help cut down lock times in my case and at the very least it is a very inoformative thread that everyone should read.
What i have realisticly been able to achieve from a cold start is about 75 seconds to lock at the fastest. i.e. GPS services were off, i turned them all on, and now i started up GPS Status or GPS Test to get a lock. After that, as long as I haven't rebooted my phone it takes only a few seconds to lock.
How i tested, i started GPS Status, I then went to Tools --> MANAGE A-GPS STATE -> RESET (This is important to ensure you are clearing previously cached data. We want to make sure your previous cached info does not skew the effects of your changes.
I then replaced the gps.conf with the one contained in that thread, and i also made the change that was suggested in the Notes section that suggested modifying or adding a line in your build.prop file to "ro.ril.def.agps.mode = 1". This change set's your gps to use AGPS in Mobile Station Based (MSB) mode. For reference, setting it to "2" would set your AGPS to function to Mobile Station Assisted (MSA) mode. (Mode 1 - gave me more accurate initial locks at the expense of a bit longer lock times, Mode 2 gave me slightly quicker initial lock times, but was rather flaky and my position drifted quite a bit until GPS was running for quite some time.)
If your curious what is the difference between the two modes, see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_GPS#Modes_of_operation
After making the changes to gps.conf and build.prop i rebooted my phone. When phone reboots, i then go back into GPS Status app, select settings, Tools --> MANAGE A-GPS STATE -> RESET, and then back to settings, Tools --> MANAGE A-GPS STATE -> DOWNLOAD (This should force the phone to attempt an AGPS download, if it hasn't already done so upon launching the app).
I have seen this same gps.conf being used in the newer RemICS-JB build. However based on the lack of feedback in that thread, i don't know if this is the golden fix we have all been looking for.
Even though this may not fix all your issues, i hope at the very least it helps clear up what the actual problem is, and how AGPS is supposed to work.
** Important Notes: **
- The version of the config that i was using was the Download the Google Specific No-SSL v3.1
- If you use the SSL version, then it will also require that you download the certifcate file. It's best to just stick with NO SSL as is explained in the thread.
- You should also note that i have cleaned out all the live wall papers, face unlock, and allot of other crap that i don't use to free up space in the /SYSTEM partition. I now have aproximately 21MB free in this partition. I think at least part of the problem with certain ROM's is that they have the /SYSTEM partition filled to the max with virtually no free space at all. I'm no expert on the subject, but i'm guessing that the AGPS data get's downloaded to this partition some where. Obviously if there is no space, then that would cause issues. Several others have reported shortened initial lock times after making room in the /SYSTEM partition.
- Another mistake people are making when testing AGPS and reporting false info, is having their WIFI on when testing GPS. To isolate the issue guy's you need have wifi off and you need to use a tool like GPS Status or GPS Test that shows that actual lock to satelites. You cannot properly test this and see the issue by using WIFI and turning on Google maps. Google maps will look at your reported wifi position and to you it looks like bamm.. i just got a lock in 2 seconds to withing 50 meters, wow these guy's are nut's, my GPS is awesome. Guess what.. your wifi and google maps is awesome.. not your GPS.. lol
- If anyone is familiar with running log's, it would be great if you could do a comparison of before and after. Showing the log of a completely fresh JB build, that shows that the AGPS data is not being downloaded, and then another log after all the changes above (including freeing up space in /SYSTEM) and hopefully it will show that AGPS data is now being downloaded and utilized. I myself am not familiar with logging data on the infuse, so i cannot and will not call this a fix until someone can actually show with real log's that AGPS data is now being utilized after these mods.
Thankfully, I'm one of the lucky ones who have always had a working GPS. It worked great when I was running AT&T stock Froyo, really good while I was on XDA GB roms, and fair > good after I went to PA JB. By far Scott's latest release of PA JB has been the best in this respect, but I can't help but tinker now that I've turned into a Droid zombie Strictly speaking the stock GPS configuration included on Scott's PA JB ROM worked charmingly, but I still had an issue whenever the phone went into deep sleep (say overnight without using it) the GPS lock the next morning took almost as much time coming from a sleep state as a cold boot. So, Like DaMeatMan I decided to give http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1881655 a go. I chose the flashable option, and like DMM also edited the prop file. I picked the Google "no SSL" version 3.1 instead of the AT&T specific version. I figured I would give that one a try.
I'll keep everyone posted, buy my first impression (could be placebo effect) is that this configuration file and modification actually does improve over the original PA JB configuration by a small margin. Reported accuracy is better (by 10ft on average). Satellites in view and actually locking are 1-2 better than before. My main hope is that I can actually fire up Navigation in the morning and get working directions without having to fire up GPS Test first and relock all the NA satellites. I travel a lot, both for business and outdoor sports (hunting and fishing), and I have come to rely pretty heavily on GPS. I got spoiled when I got my first GPS capable phone because that meant I could leave my handheld GPS at home most of the time and that was one less thing I had to carry.
wevsspot said:
Thankfully, I'm one of the lucky ones who have always had a working GPS. It worked great when I was running AT&T stock Froyo, really good while I was on XDA GB roms, and fair > good after I went to PA JB. By far Scott's latest release of PA JB has been the best in this respect, but I can't help but tinker now that I've turned into a Droid zombie Strictly speaking the stock GPS configuration included on Scott's PA JB ROM worked charmingly, but I still had an issue whenever the phone went into deep sleep (say overnight without using it) the GPS lock the next morning took almost as much time coming from a sleep state as a cold boot. So, Like DaMeatMan I decided to give http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1881655 a go. I chose the flashable option, and like DMM also edited the prop file. I picked the Google "no SSL" version 3.1 instead of the AT&T specific version. I figured I would give that one a try.
I'll keep everyone posted, buy my first impression (could be placebo effect) is that this configuration file and modification actually does improve over the original PA JB configuration by a small margin. Reported accuracy is better (by 10ft on average). Satellites in view and actually locking are 1-2 better than before. My main hope is that I can actually fire up Navigation in the morning and get working directions without having to fire up GPS Test first and relock all the NA satellites. I travel a lot, both for business and outdoor sports (hunting and fishing), and I have come to rely pretty heavily on GPS. I got spoiled when I got my first GPS capable phone because that meant I could leave my handheld GPS at home most of the time and that was one less thing I had to carry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been have many of the same problems as others in this thread but I tried the fix in the S3 thread quoted above and it seems to have helped for right now. The first time I ran GPS Test after rebooting it did take a while (5-8min), but after that I get a lock in few seconds. I used the Google "no SSL" package also. I will do some more testing tomorrow and see if its reliable.

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